Veterans and military affairs policy and finance bill.
What changed between versions
Created a new category of eligible veterans for state benefits: those who served in secret guerilla units or irregular forces in Laos between 1961 and 1975, granting them access to existing veterans' privileges like cemetery burial and honor guards.
Expanded eligibility for the Minnesota GI Bill educational assistance to include surviving spouses and children of veterans who died in service or have permanent service-connected disabilities, regardless of remarriage.
Established a new 12-member Advisory Task Force to develop criteria and protocols for verifying the service and eligibility of the newly recognized Laos veterans, with a deadline to report findings to the legislature by February 15, 2026.
Added a requirement for the commissioner of veterans affairs to obtain informed consent from individuals before accessing private data in the MAXIS database to verify eligibility for assistance programs.
Mandated the development of a comprehensive suicide prevention plan for veterans, including strategies for community integration and coordination with federal, state, and tribal entities.
Significantly increased or adjusted budget allocations for various veterans' programs, including the State Soldiers Assistance Program, the Minnesota GI Bill, and new grants for mental health, outdoor recreation, and mentorship initiatives.
Reduced the base appropriation amount for the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs from approximately $146.7 million to $126.8 million, while reallocating funds to specific new programs.
Updated the definition of 'deceased veteran' to include those who died within six months of entering the armed forces or whose residents were living in the state for six months prior to death.
